PoliControl: Availability of a robot-assisted polishing process for adjusting surface topographies

With on-site digitising, arc welding and milling, Picum MT GmbH has already integrated important processes in the tool repair process chain into a mobile machine tool. In the case of machining forming tools, the achievable accuracy is comparable to that of conventional machining centres. In order to fully map the tool repair process chain, we are integrating in the project PoliControl finishing in the form of polishing on the mobile machine.

Polishing is crucial for the surface quality of forming tools, but it is time-consuming and depends on the skilled labour involved. Tolerance deviations marked in the ‘tryout’ are polished manually, which takes several days and is often not reproducible. The decreasing number of skilled workers also makes cost-effectiveness more difficult in high-wage countries.

Objective of the project

The aim of the project is to automate the polishing process of a mobile machine tool. The aim is to achieve the required surface quality and accuracy more efficiently.

Advantages

• Independence from the shortage of skilled labour - thanks to the automation of the polishing process
• Greater efficiency - lower labour costs, less time required, no transport
• Higher surface quality and accuracy - lower tolerance deviations due to automation

Procedure

Polishing is to be integrated into a mobile machine tool through automation, allowing the entire process chain to be mapped. This enables repairs to be carried out directly on site, reduces set-up processes and shortens repair times from weeks to just a few days.

In the project, we are also addressing technological challenges such as process planning and tool selection. We are implementing these using artificial intelligence methods.

Are you also interested in a co-operation project?

Please contact Hendrik Voelker via E-Mail to voelker@ifw.uni.hannover.de or by calling +49 511 762 8078.